9 Games in 31 Days: Liverpool’s Relentless January Will Put Arne Slot to the Test

Liverpool FC faces a grueling January 2026 schedule under manager Arne Slot, with nine matches crammed into just 31 days. This punishing run, spanning from New Year's Day to month's end, tests the squad's depth, resilience, and rotation strategy amid Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League commitments[1][3][4].

The Fixtures Breakdown

• Thu Jan 1: Liverpool vs Leeds United (H, PL, 5:30pm) – Kicks off the marathon at Anfield[1][2][3].
• Sun Jan 4: Fulham vs Liverpool (A, PL, 3:00pm) – Quick away trip to Craven Cottage[1][2][3].
• Thu Jan 8: Arsenal vs Liverpool (A, PL, 8:00pm) – High-stakes Big Six clash at Emirates[1][2][3].
• Mon Jan 12: Liverpool vs Barnsley (H, FA Cup 3rd Rd, 7:45pm) – Midweek cup tie[1][3].
• Sat Jan 17: Liverpool vs Burnley (H, PL, 3:00pm) – Anfield return[1][2][3].
• Wed Jan 21: Marseille vs Liverpool (A, UCL, 8:00pm) – European challenge in France[1][3].
• Sat Jan 24: Bournemouth vs Liverpool (A, PL, 5:30pm) – South coast test[1][2][3].
• Wed Jan 28: Liverpool vs Qarabag (H, UCL, 8:00pm) – Champions League home leg[1][3].
• Sat Jan 31: Liverpool vs Newcastle United (H, PL, 8:00pm) – Fiery north-east derby finale[1][2][3].

The calendar features three midweek games and no respite longer than three days between some fixtures, amplifying injury risks and fatigue. Home games against Leeds, Barnsley, Burnley, Qarabag, and Newcastle offer Anfield boosts, but treacherous aways at Arsenal, Marseille, Fulham, and Bournemouth demand focus[4]. Women's team fixtures (vs London City Lionesses on Jan 11, Tottenham on Jan 25) add logistical layers but aren't men's schedule[1].

Challenges for Arne Slot

Slot, in his first full Reds season, must master squad rotation without diluting quality. The mix pits title-chasing PL intensity against cup progression and UCL group survival. Historical January slumps haunt Liverpool, but Slot's tactical nous could shine[4]. Success here cements top-four hopes and silverware bids, but failure risks derailment. Fans brace for a brutal month defining the campaign[2][4].

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